Jesus on Love

We do not know the true appearance of Jesus, and his exact words are subject to the ravages of time and translation, but we do know that Jesus was a firebrand rabbi who preached a message of radical love. What we know of Jesus is that he quoted parts of the Old Testament1  that were important to his message.

“Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin” Jesus never said2

People use this phrase to justify homophobia and to drive a wedge between people with whom they disagree. It is an excuse for discrimination disguised as righteousness.3  Hate is hate. We must Love instead. Learn to understand the actions (what might be considered “sin”), since  through understanding, true love can flourish.

What Jesus said: The First Commandment

Mark 12 28  One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29  Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30  you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31  The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus made it really clear that “neighbor” includes everyone (even Samaritans!). Would the only excuse to hate anyone be  that you  hate yourself? Perhaps it is  fear  that drives hate, not self-loathing.

Since “neighbor” would  includes presidential candidates, so Jesus said to Love Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Not tolerate, not accept, but to Love.

 

 

 

 


FOOTNOTES

[1] 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.[a] 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.   €” Deuteronomy 6:4-5
18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. €” Leviticus 19:18

[2]  It is a corruption of another quote,  and not from the Bible.

[3]  A few more views on this quote:
http://johnpavlovitz.com/2015/08/13/3-reasons-love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin-is-an-abomination/
https://redeeminggod.com/love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/freedhearts/2015/02/25/lets-be-honest-hate-the-sin-love-the-sinner-is-really-just-hate/